FAQs

Yes.  A new pedestrian and bicycle bridge will be constructed at Chicago Avenue to provide a safe and efficient crossing across I-494.  

The I-494 vision will also improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities throughout the corridor.  New facilities will meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to be accessible for all users.

Existing entrance and exit ramps at Lyndale Avenue, Nicollet Avenue, Portland Avenue, and 12th Avenue are too close, which causes traffic congestion and safety issues on I-494.  To reduce congestion and improve safety on I-494, MnDOT will 1) close all I-494 access ramps at Nicollet Avenue and 12th Avenue, and 2) create a full-access interchange at Portland Avenue with two on-ramps and two off-ramps.

New bridges will be built at the three interchanges to accommodate future traffic levels.  The new bridges will also include improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities to facilitate crossing the interstate.  

A new turbine interchange will be constructed in the northeast corner to allow traffic heading northbound I-35W to westbound I-494 to flow more efficiently. 

yes.  To best address current and future conditions for I-494, an E-ZPass lane (formerly known as MnPASS) will be constructed in each direction on I-494, from Highway 169 to Highway 77.

In 2018, Corridors of Commerce, a state road improvement grant program, awarded the project $134 million to introduce E-ZPASS lanes (formerly known as MnPASS) from EB France Avenue to Hwy 77 and from WB Hwy 77 to I-35W.  An additional $70 million was awarded to construct a directional ramp for NB I-35W to WB I-494 traffic.

In 2021, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded $60 million to aid in the construction of project 1 of the I-494 corridor vision implementation plan.